Expert review: SSAB cannot determine the cause of the disease

During the beginning of 2026, 34 cases of work-related illness were reported at SSAB's construction site for the new electric steel plant. Workers suffered from everything from nosebleeds, dizziness and headaches to a severe case of chemical pneumonia.

SSAB claimed in its own investigation that fine construction dust was the primary cause, amplified by cold winter weather and a wave of respiratory viruses.

On behalf of SHK, the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute has evaluated SSAB's data. The experts' assessment is that SSAB's investigations are not sufficient to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Don't buy virus explanation

The review states that the cases of illness clearly coincide with the start of large-scale excavation, but it has not been possible to show whether, for example, dust, gases or a combination of exposures caused the symptoms.

"The support for weather, wind direction and respiratory viruses as explanations is weak, while gases from nearby industry can essentially be dismissed as the sole cause, but gases released during excavation cannot be ruled out," SHK writes.

Therefore, the case is closed

IVL emphasizes that fine dust particles may have been a contributing factor, but that they "cannot be established as the main cause" because measurements of the workers' actual exposure during the early incident period are missing.

At the same time, IVL states that there is no support that SSAB should have foreseen the risks before the start of work or underestimated known risks.

Although the reasons are still unclear, SHK closes the case without an accident investigation. In light of the measures that SSAB and the relevant authorities have already taken, SHK assesses that a continued investigation would not lead to significant safety gains.

SSAB: It is our highest priority

SVT has been in contact with SSAB, which introduced reinforced control systems since the first cases of the disease became known.

Martin Gidlund is responsible for communications for the new steel mill construction.

- People's health and safety is our highest priority. Our focus has been to understand the risk picture, limit risks and introduce the protection and control measures required to ensure a safe working environment, he says and continues:

- That work continues during the implementation of the project.